Napoli are nearing the signing of Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea after a breakthrough in negotiations.
The 31-year-old Belgium striker is expected to join the Italian club on a permanent deal worth approximately £30 million, which will also include a sell-on clause.
There remains a possibility that this transfer could pave the way for Victor Osimhen to move in the opposite direction, with Chelsea reportedly favoring an initial loan deal for the Nigerian forward.
Napoli’s pursuit of Lukaku has been strongly influenced by their manager, Antonio Conte, who previously worked with the Belgian during two highly successful seasons at Inter Milan between 2019 and 2021.
Lukaku rejoined Chelsea in 2021 for £97.5 million but has since spent the last two seasons on loan in Italy, first returning to Inter and then playing for Roma.
His return to Stamford Bridge was largely unsuccessful, and he has not featured for Chelsea since May 2022.
With Chelsea’s senior squad now exceeding 40 players following 11 summer signings, the club is keen to offload players.